Civil Rights Movement Marches in Alabama

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The Civil Rights Movement marches in Alabama were pivotal events that significantly contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. One of the most notable series of marches was the Selma to Montgomery marches, which took place in 1965. These marches aimed to secure voting rights for African Americans by protesting the discriminatory practices in Alabama. The marches were marked by violent confrontations, notably the "Bloody Sunday" incident on March 7, 1965, where state troopers attacked unarmed protesters on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The marches gained national attention and support, leading President Lyndon B. Johnson to call for the passage of the Voting Rights Act. This legislation was enacted on August 6, 1965, and effectively removed barriers to voting for African Americans. The marches were part of a broader civil rights movement in Alabama, which included other significant events like the Freedom Rides and the Birmingham Campaign. These efforts collectively played a crucial role in challenging segregation and advancing civil rights in the state.